Checkered Lily
Fritillaria meleagris
Liliaceae
Other names
Snake'S Head, Guinea Hen Tulip, Guinea Hen Flower
Growth habit
Geophyte
Perennation
Long-lived polycarpic perennial
Native distribution
Norway & England Through Middle Europe to the Caucasus
Location
Source of plant
Brent & Becky's Bulbs, Van Bourgondien, John Scheepers Inc.
Description
Bulbous perennial that is native to river flood plains in Europe where it is frequently seen growing in large colonies. Plants are somewhat dainty in appearance, featuring solitary (less frequently 2-3), drooping, 2 long, bell-shaped flowers which are checkered and veined with reddish-brown, purple, white and gray atop slender stems growing to 15 tall. Blooms in April. Linear, lance-shaped, grass-like green leaves are widely-spaced on the stems.
USDA Hardiness Zone
6